In July, Yaya Toure is expected to depart the Etihad Stadium as his contract at Manchester City expires. The Ivorian's relationship with the club has been an intense affair and one that's seen his once untouchable position change of late. However, he remains an excellent footballer, and has been back in the fold in recent weeks.

How can they potential replace the African superstar, then?

When it comes to replacing Toure, Man City could end up in a similar situation to when Arsenal attempted to move on from Patrick Vieira unless the correct move is made.

Since switching to the Etihad Stadium in 2010, the significance of Toure to City's recent success cannot be understated. His big-game performances, crucial goals and exceptional leadership have guided City from the wilderness to being one of Europe's most iconic clubs.

Nonetheless, his relationship with Pep Guardiola has been a turbulent affair and the duo came to blows in the summer when Toure's agent continuously spoke out against the new Citizens manager.

With the end looming large, and Toure's near seven-year City career drawing to a close, here are THREE potential replacements for City to consider for the midfielder...

Julian Weigl

It was only last week the Borussia Dortmund midfielder was linked with a move to Pep Guardiola's side.

According to German publication BILD, City are contemplating a move for the Germany international and are willing to quadruple his wages to convince him to swap Dortmund for Manchester.

Weigl has been likened to Xabi Alonso and has become an integral member of BVB's recent success. A move to Man City would see him join former team-mate Ilkay Gundogan, and Weigl could be the ideal Guardiola player.

Mahmoud Dahoud

Like Weigl, Dahoud is another young midfielder creating quite a buzz in Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach. The Syrian-born, Germany youth international was Gladbach's star performer against Guardiola's City in both Champions League games, illustrating his qualities.

His dynamism and ability to go from box-to-box would perfectly emulate the departing Toure, even though he may not be ready to fill the Ivorian's void in the short-term.

Youri Tielemans

Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans has gathered a reputation in Europe as one of the continent's hottest young midfielders.

With City almost guaranteed to be pursuing another central midfielder in the winter and summer, Tielemans could be an ideal candidate to replace the giant Ivorian.

City have previously had success with Anderlecht starlets such as Vincent Kompany, who famously came through the Belgian club's academy. If Tielemans could provide half the success delivered by Kompany, City would be more than happy to have him.